What Tony learned—and why he keeps teaching
What Tony learned—and why he keeps teaching
One of the things that makes Hilltop Artists so special is that most of our instructors, like Tony, were once students. They know what it’s like to be mentored and they bring that insight into the studio every day.
Hilltop Artists is a youth development organization that uses glass art to connect with young people—not just to build technical skills, but to support emotional growth and resilience. Tony, now our Studio Manager & Teaching Artist at Silas High School, shared how powerful that process was for him: “As a student I messed up, I broke stuff, I was learning something new. Doing things over and over taught me perseverance. Kids don’t like that part of the process, particularly because it is public, in front of other students. You will mess up, keep trying.”
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That spirit of growth stuck with him. “As a teenager I was taught hot glass sculpting, and was lucky enough to learn techniques from Maestro Pino Signoretto. I pass those techniques along to my students. This year I took a cold sculpting class from Scott Darlington. It gave me a new way to think about sculpting, and new techniques to teach my students. I messed up in this recent class, but my students didn’t see me (so they still think I’m kinda perfect ) and it was humbling in a good way, a reminder of what it’s like to be a student.”
Tony’s roots with us run deep: “‘No class, no glass’ was the mantra when I started as a student here in the late ‘90s. Hilltop Artists kept me in school, made sure I graduated, and provided me with a vocational skill. I have been a teacher here for over 20 years now, and I give my students what was given to me – a chance to do meaningful work and become the best person I can be.”
Last year, Tony represented Tacoma (along with Mayor Woodards and a delegation of community ambassadors) at the Biot International Glass Festival; assisted at Pilchuck Glass School; and earned a scholarship to study at Pratt Fine Arts Center. He continues to learn and grow, setting an example for me as well as his students.
Tony shows us what is possible and provides inspiration for staff and students alike – which is no small feat in today’s world.
Read a special message from Dr. Kim
Your support makes stories like Tony’s possible. When you give to Hilltop Artists, you’re investing in more than glass art—you’re helping young people grow, succeed, and become mentors themselves. Donate today to keep the furnace burning for the next generation.
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With gratitude,
Dr. Kim Keith. Executive Director
